Algeria: Medea Hospital imposes strict restrictions on the clothing of employees and visitors, sparking wide controversy.

In a controversial move that sparked wide debate among Algerians, the administration of the public hospital in the province of Medea imposed strict restrictions on the clothing of employees and visitors, prohibiting the wearing of shorts, short skirts, revealing shirts, or any attire deemed "indecent or immodest." The memorandum issued days ago directed all hospital staff to adhere to modest dress code in respect of internal regulations and public etiquette. Although the decision faced criticism on social media, with some arguing that clothing is a personal freedom that hospitals should not interfere with, others called for focusing on improving medical services instead of imposing clothing restrictions. Lawyer Farid Sabri clarified that the law does not specify a particular dress code for employees or visitors except in certain sectors that require formal attire, and that each institution's internal regulations determine dress rules based on discipline, cleanliness, and security. He also noted that institutions can prohibit entry to those wearing inappropriate clothing, with discretion in this matter. Social expert Abdelhafid Sandouqi affirmed that respecting dress codes in public places reflects the nature and culture of society, and it is better to adhere to them, especially in public institutions. Sources in the Algerian Ministry of Health indicated that the clothing instructions were based on directives from the supervisory authority and not solely from the hospital institution. This decision comes amid ongoing debates about personal freedom and social constraints in Algeria, making the issue of clothing in public places a sensitive topic that divides public opinion.